There are plenty of foldable bicycle designs out there, but one standout comes from Montague Bikes. Company president David Montague describes that one major difference that sets Montague Bikes apart is that: "We make full size bikes that fold, not folding bikes."
With 3D printing technology, Montague Bikes created an entirely new folding system called 'DirectConnect ' that begins with releasing the wheel and using a lever on the bike's frame to fold the entire unit in half. In this position, the parts lock and securely stay in place.
The rapid prototyping that can happen with a 3D printing machine is what led to the development of this innovative folding system. What would ordinarily cost many months and thousands of dollars took Montague Bikes just a few weeks and a couple hundred dollars.
3D-Printed Folding Bikes
Montague Bikes' Foldable Bicycle System is Created with 3D Printing
Trend Themes
1. 3d-printed Bicycle Parts - The 3D printing technology used by Montague Bikes presents a disruptive innovation opportunity for the bicycle industry to explore more efficient and cost-effective ways of producing bike parts.
2. Foldable Bike Designs - Montague Bikes' DirectConnect folding system has disrupted the traditional folding bike market, presenting an opportunity for other bike manufacturers to innovate and create more user-friendly and compact foldable bike designs.
3. Rapid Prototyping - The rapid prototyping made possible by 3D printing technology has disrupted traditional manufacturing processes, presenting an opportunity for industries to explore more efficient and cost-effective ways of prototyping and testing new products.
Industry Implications
1. Bicycle Manufacturing - Montague Bikes' use of 3D printing technology in creating their innovative folding bike system presents an opportunity for the bicycle manufacturing industry to adopt more advanced production methods.
2. Design and Engineering - 3D printing technology provides a disruptive innovation opportunity in the design and engineering industry, allowing for more efficient and affordable prototype creation and testing.
3. Transportation - The development of compact and innovative folding bike designs can present a disruptive innovation opportunity in the transportation industry, particularly for commuters and urban residents looking for a more efficient and sustainable mode of transportation.